What’s Holding You Back? Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth

What’s holding you back from going after what you truly want? Whether it’s pursuing a new career, moving to a different city, diving into trauma work, or even taking on a solo day hike or a long-distance thru-hike, fear can be a powerful roadblock. We often allow our fears to dictate our lives, but what if we chose to face them instead?

Through coaching, I help people move past the fear that keeps them stuck. Let’s talk about how fear shows up, how it holds us back, and most importantly, how we can overcome it.

Identifying the Fear

Fear can manifest in many ways—sometimes it’s a fear of failure, the unknown, or even success. For example, as a hiker, I’ve faced fears like encountering wildlife (Will I run into a mountain lion?), doubting my physical strength (Am I strong enough?), or worrying about whether my diet will sustain me on the trail. We all have fears that are deeply personal, but universal in their ability to paralyze us.

So, ask yourself: What’s holding you back?

• Is it fear of the unknown?

• Fear of not being good enough?

• Fear of failure or rejection?

Once you identify the fear, you can begin to challenge it.

My Methods for Facing Fear and Growing Through It

1. Living Into Your Priorities

Staying in a place of fear is not an option when you’re clear about your priorities. For me, choosing to live into my priorities has been the catalyst for moving beyond fear. I know that personal growth, living courageously, and pushing my boundaries are important to me—these values help me to keep going, even when fear arises.

Method:

• Define your values and priorities: What are the things you absolutely cannot compromise on in your life? When you are clear on these, fear starts to lose its grip because you’re choosing to live aligned with what matters most.

• Set meaningful intentions: Focus on why you want something, rather than getting stuck on the how. Your reasons for pursuing something must be bigger than your fear of what could go wrong.

2. Education and Preparation

Fear often comes from the unknown, so educating yourself and preparing for the challenges ahead can minimize that fear. For instance, I’ve educated myself on how to stay safe on the trail, researched proper nutrition for my specific diet, and learned techniques to improve my strength and endurance.

Method:

• Do the work: Whether you’re preparing for a life change or a thru-hike, gathering knowledge and preparing mentally and physically can give you the tools to face challenges with confidence.

• Build a toolkit: Through coaching and self-education, I’ve built tools to help me manage fear—whether it’s calming techniques, mental reframing, or even packing the right gear for a hike.

3. Taking Action Despite Fear

It’s easy to get stuck in a loop of “what ifs,” but the only way to grow is to take action despite the fear. Hiking solo, for example, can be intimidating—but every time I face those fears, I become stronger, more resilient, and more capable of handling life’s challenges.

Method:

• Start small: Begin with manageable steps—whether it’s a shorter hike, a small career change, or working on one aspect of your trauma healing journey.

• Embrace discomfort: Growth comes when you push past your comfort zone. Every challenge you face, whether on the trail or in life, adds to your strength and self-belief.

How Coaching Can Help You Get Unstuck

If you’re feeling paralyzed by fear or uncertainty, coaching can help you uncover the real blocks that are keeping you from moving forward. Through our work together, I’ll provide the tools, accountability, and support you need to face your fears and step into a more fulfilling life—whether that’s hiking solo, switching careers, or starting your personal growth journey.

Here’s how I can help you:

• Personalized support: Tailored strategies based on your unique fears and challenges.

• Tools and techniques: Access to a toolkit for managing fear and uncertainty.

• Accountability: I’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you move forward when fear threatens to hold you back.

Fear is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to dictate your path. Whether you’re considering a major life change or gearing up for a thru-hike, you are capable of overcoming the fears that hold you back. Through preparation, prioritizing your values, and taking action, you can step into the life you were born to live. And if you’re ready to make that shift, I’m here to guide you.